Retinal

Retinal (CAS 116-31-4), also known as retinaldehyde or Vitamin A aldehyde, is the aldehyde form of Vitamin A (molecular formula C₂₀H₂₈O, MW 284.44 g/mol).

Where is Retinal used?

• Personal care and cosmetics: highly active retinoid for topical anti-ageing creams, serums and skin-conditioning products
• Food and flavouring: flavouring substance contributing to the organoleptic profile of select food matrices
• In nutraceutical and supplement manufacturing, this form of Vitamin A is not listed in Annex II of Directive 2002/46/EC for EU food supplements.

Good to know: Carries the same authorised EU health claims under Regulation (EC) No 432/2012 as Vitamin A, including normal vision, immune function, skin and mucous membranes, iron metabolism and cell specialisation. Buyers working to FEMA or equivalent European flavouring frameworks should verify substance status in applicable positive lists, as regulatory scope varies by jurisdiction.

Commercial specifications

• Purity typically 98% or above
• Cosmetic grade and food-grade material
• Typical cosmetic concentrations 0.01% to 0.1%
• Crystalline powder and oil-soluble solution concentrates; microencapsulated or CWS formats on enquiry
• Packaging: 1–5 kg sealed aluminium foil bags or amber glass containers; 25 kg drums or cartons with inert gas blanketing
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) per batch; GHS/CLP signal word Danger